Did Al Gore really claim that he “invented the internet”? Well, he didn’t use the actual word “invented”. Like most politicians, Al suffers from an inflated sense of self and has to make sure others know the vital importance of his contributions to life. That requires an ability to stretch the truth a little, or sometimes a lot. For example, because he has to quote unquote save the planet from us manmade global warming deniers he has to ignore the fact that global cooling has been going on for several years due to diminished solar activity. Yes, global warming is caused by that giant yellow thing that shows up in the sky every day. If you don’t believe me, find a spot in the sun without shade, clouds or wind and tell me what happens – you get warm. Sometimes quite hot; even here in Kentucky. But I digress. What he actually said was: “During my service in the United States Congress, I took the initiative in creating the Internet.” In reality, he had some peripheral connection to government involvement in the early stages of the internet, but he didn’t “create” or “invent” it.

Sometimes taking credit for things we didn’t do can make us the butt of jokes, like Al Gore, but sometimes it can have far worse consequences. For example when a young Amalekite came to David and took credit for killing Saul it seemed like a smart move, but was deadly instead. We’ve already seen how Saul, not wanting to be captured and tortured, took his own life by falling on his sword (1 Samuel 31:4). 2 Samuel 1 tells of a young Amalekite who thought he would gain favor with David by taking personal credit for killing Saul (vv2-10). For all his anger and frustration at Saul, David couldn’t rejoice in his death nor reward anyone who took credit for it. After weeping profusely over Saul’s death David asked “How is it you were not afraid to stretch out your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” and ordered the professed killer to be executed (2 Samuel 1:11-16).

There are two lessons for us. One – don’t falsify the record and take credit for things we did not do. Honesty is more than the best policy – it is the only policy. And two – don’t rejoice when others suffer, even if it is just and right. That is the higher calling for God’s people. Will we hear and obey?